Well, first make us know, what level of degree you will recieve ( Bachelor, Master ) and what is your education ( engineer or not engineer ). I said that you topic sounds like a homework, because it's a routine operation and you have whole algorithm in from of you ( you don't need to think ). In my opinion you should deal with something more specific for example:
Methods for draft survey in ship operating conditions for maximum fuel efficiency
This topic is really easy in terms of knowledge that you need to deal with it, but you should think a lot, because there are not so many methods available and you need to offer a new one ( at least one ) and believe me you will learn a lot after you make it.
edit: I hope that other people will take a part in this topic